Avoid a Beach Day Bust for Your Feet

In the summer, we at Goldsmith Podiatry know many of our Manhattan patients will escape the heat by traveling out to one of the many beautiful Long Island beaches. The last thing you want is to have your beach day derailed by a foot or ankle problem. Below are some scenarios to avoid.

A Quick Path to Burnt Soles—After a relaxing morning lazing by the ocean, you’re feeling hungry and think a trip to the snack bar is in order. Luckily, it’s just a short walk from your beach umbrella, so you start to run over. As you take your first few steps on the sand, you realize how hot it has become, but now, you’re committed. You try to run the short distance, but even in a few minutes, the soles of your feet get badly burned. By midday, sand temperatures can reach 150 degrees F—which is high enough to give you a third-degree burn. Always put your shoes on before walking on the sand.

Super Spike Ends in Ankle Sprain—One of your friends has unexpectedly brought a volleyball net to the beach. Teams form, and you get a game going. You’re in a perfect position to make the game-winning spike, but when you land, your foot gives way in the sand, and you end up twisting your ankle. Pack a pair of athletic shoes in your beach bag if you think there’s a chance for active play. They will provide a greater degree of support than playing barefoot.

Jellyfish Puts the Sting on Your Fun—It may be hard to see these sea creatures in the water, and many people don’t realize that even once they have washed up on the shore and died, jellyfish stingers are still able to get you. Keep a small container of vinegar or baking soda in your beach bag and apply to the stung area to reduce pain and swelling.

Bring Home an Unwanted Fungal Memory—You don’t want to sit in a wet suit all the way home, so you head to the restroom to change. It may always be a little tricky but keep feet covered in public places, especially those damp and see lots of barefoot traffic. You take your flip-flops off to make it easier to get dressed, and now you’re standing where potentially 100’s other bare feet have stood, each with the possibility of passing on athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, or another infection.

We hope all our patients enjoy many fun beach days this summer but if you end up with an injury or other concerning symptom, contact our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 so that our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith and Dr. Rosanna Troia can examine your feet and treat any podiatric problems you may have.